The Mission of Merit Street Media
Thirty years ago, Matt and Laurie Crouch, the driving forces behind Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), received a word – a vision that they would touch hearts through the transformative power of storytelling.
That vision now becomes a reality with the launch of Merit Street Media!
Little did they know, three decades later, that America's top daytime talk show host would join them in their mission. God's blueprint has exceeded their wildest dreams, fulfilling the promise in Ephesians 3:20.
A Powerful Vision, Subtly Fulfilled
Back in 2001, Tim LaHaye, author of the bestselling novel Left Behind, and his wife Beverly, founder of Concerned Women for America, saw a film produced by Matt and Laurie called, “Carman: The Champion”. They were so moved that they returned for multiple viewings, bringing friends and colleagues.
Tim later shared a profound insight: “You know, Matt, we’ve come to realize that we don’t have to beat people over the head with the Bible to reach them.” He clearly saw the power of storytelling. This validated Matt and Laurie's long-held belief: faith-based entertainment is essential, as are content creators who subtly underpin a Christian worldview.
This broader approach can ultimately draw many more people towards Christ. It's like Jesus with his parables – he planted seeds and then moved on, letting the stories create readiness and a spiritual thirst.
Dr. Phil Primetime: Tackling the Issues Head-On
Dr. Phil Primetime, the flagship show of Merit Street Media, promises to draw millions of new viewers through common-sense news, thought-provoking discussions, and entertaining programs. This is a perfect complement to TBN's five decades of powerful teachings and transformative ministry.
On his new nightly show, Dr. Phil tackles the issues that matter to Americans head-on. He'll connect with everyday people struggling with real problems and champion practical solutions.
"We intend to own the debate lane," Dr. Phil explained. "But make no mistake: we're not here to win an argument. We're here to solve problems."
We can expect no-nonsense discussions on hot-button topics like the breakdown of the family, threats to parental rights, the dangers of social media, the crisis in our schools, homelessness, addiction, and the erosion of the values that made America great. These are the issues that tear at our families and communities; mainstream media ignores them, but Dr. Phil confronts them head-on.
"We intend to own the debate lane," Dr. Phil explained. "But make no mistake: we're not here to win an argument. We're here to solve problems." This drive to find solutions echoes that vision that Matt and Laurie received over three decades ago.
What Issues Matter Most to You?
Dr. Phil's experience and insights lend weight to his message. In his timely new book, We've Got Issues: How You Can Stand Strong for America's Soul and Sanity, he outlines a roadmap for restoring shared values, revealing insights drawn from history and rooted in faith. Dr. Phil makes a compelling case for the role of faith in society when he states:
“I was raised in the Southern Baptist church…The benefit of going to church is not some vague notion. It is demonstrably helpful. Our Founders saw that. They knew they wanted a separation of church and state — they didn’t want us governed by any single religion — but at the same time they felt religion in general was essential if we were going to have good and decent citizens, and that good and decent citizens were essential to a successful country. That’s why you see references to God woven into the fabric and words of our founding documents.”
Dr. Phil underscores the enduring importance of shared values in shaping a just and prosperous society. These are the shared values Merit Street Media seeks to champion, offering a voice of reason in a troubled world.
Merit Street: Diverse Programming with a Purpose
Merit Street Media's lineup extends far beyond its cornerstone talk show. In addition to Dr. Phil Primetime, Merit Street Media will feature other essential news and entertainment programming, including:
- Mornings on Merit Street: Award-winning journalists Dominique Sachse and Fanchon Stinger kickstart your day with a new perspective on the morning news.
- The News on Merit Street: Dig into the day's top stories with senior anchor Kris Gutierrez, alongside hosts Lyndsay Keith and Loni Coombs. They'll uncover the 'rest of the story' you won't find elsewhere.
- Crime Stories with Nancy Grace: Join the fight for justice as Nancy Grace investigates true crimes, seeking answers and closure for victims of unsolved tragedies.
- The Behavior Panel: Get expert insights from the world's top body language experts. They'll decipher what newsmakers are really saying, thinking, and hiding.
- The Story Behind the Story with Mike Rowe: Discover little-known, fascinating tales of American history with modern-day storyteller Mike Rowe.
- Centuries Collide: Journey through America's past with Cody Crouch and rediscover pivotal moments that shaped our nation.
This powerful lineup reflects Dr. Phil's commitment to finding solutions, a mission he expands on: “Everything I’ve ever done has prepared me for this. The time for Dr. Phil Primetime and the time for Merit Street Media is now. The time to answer the call to stand strong for America’s soul and sanity is now.”
Championing Faith and Culture
With this dual-pronged strategy, TBN shares the gospel message through powerful preaching, worship, and Bible-based programming. Coming April 2, on a fully separate network, Merit Street Media will expand this reach with news, talk, and entertainment softly infused with positive, biblical values.
This approach is more accessible to diverse audiences, opening hearts and creating a path toward the transformative power of TBN's ministry, fulfilling the vision God gave TBN decades ago. Together both networks form hope and light, reaching far beyond traditional television networks.
The partnership between TBN and Merit Street Media underscores a critical role that Christian television and entertainment play in today's world. It's about providing an alternative to mainstream media, offering content that underpins a Christian worldview without compromising on quality or relevance.
"Merit Street Media aims to shake up the media landscape by offering values-driven content presented through compelling storytelling and authentic dialogue."
Just as Jesus boldly challenged the status quo, Merit Street Media aims to shake up the media landscape by offering values-driven content presented through compelling storytelling and authentic dialogue.
Restoring Values, Restoring America
As believers, we're called to be 'salt' and 'light' to the world. Yet, we've often shied away from broader culture, leaving a void of positive influence.
Today our country craves a strong voice grounded in truth – a voice that can shape every aspect of culture and entertainment. Merit Street Media offers a solution, championing values that strengthen and uplift our culture. The time to make a difference is now.
Visit Merit Street Media's website today and help us spread the word – share this with a friend who could use a dose of hope and values-driven media.
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